Winter Storm
Heavy Seas Beer
Story by:
Editorial Dept.
British Strong Ale
Limited Release
Maryland
United States
Judges Ratings 88
Aroma: 22 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
Winter Storm may be Hugh’s favorite beer in the Heavy Seas catalogue. Our winter ale draws on hops from the West Coast and the UK for its pronounced bitterness. A mix of pale and darker malts give it its tawny color and its bigger body. True to the style, Winter Storm’s aroma is nutty malts and earthy hops. This is a perfect fall beer, especially because of its warming qualities.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 7.50%
IBUs:
Served at: (50º)
Hops: Warrior, UK Goldings, UK Fuggles, Cascade, Centennial
Malts: 2-row, Crystal, Caramalt, Chocolate Malt
Judges Review
By Rodney A. Tillinghast
Judges Ratings 88
Aroma: 22 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
Judged by the alcohol content as a British Strong Ale (Style 17A), it settled in as a tawny brown ale with an off-beige head, with some lacing and legs. Aromas noted included intense toffee, dark fruit, and roasted apples. In the background, there also was a subtle earthy hop aroma, but also was a fairly evident alcohol presence in the nose as it warmed.
English-derived dark caramel malt exploded on the tongue, supported by a woody, earth bitterness. It certainly was on the sweet side of balanced, with hints of pears, and somewhat minty. It seemed a rich, winter warmer, something to savor over a good book and a fire. I appreciated the complexity of sweetness, but to me could have benefited from a little more hop character and bitterness.
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